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Western Museum of Mining & Industry: A Glimpse into the American West

Explore Colorado's mining heritage at this interactive museum featuring live demonstrations, steam engines, and a working stamp mill.

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The Western Museum of Mining & Industry in Colorado Springs preserves the mining history and industrial technology of the American West. With over 4,000 artifacts on display across 27 acres, the museum offers interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and guided tours that bring the past to life.

A brief summary to Western Museum of Mining & Industry

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Take the guided tour at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. to see the equipment in operation and hear fascinating stories from the docents.
  • Check the museum's schedule to see when the stamp mill is operating.
  • Try your luck at gold panning and take home your treasure.
  • Visit the Rock N' Gift Shop for unique souvenirs, rocks, and minerals.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Western Museum of Mining & Industry is located off I-25 at exit 156 (North Gate Blvd). Head east, then make the first right. The museum is located on the north side of Colorado Springs, across from the U.S. Air Force Academy. There is ample free parking available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Colorado Springs, take the Mountain Metro Transit bus route 1 towards Northgate Park & Ride. Stay on the bus for about 35 minutes until you reach the Northgate Park & Ride stop. Transfer to route 23 towards Woodmen Park & Ride. After about 10 minutes, get off at the North Gate Blvd & Voyager Pkwy stop. Walk north on North Gate Blvd for about 0.5 miles to reach the museum. A one-way bus fare costs $2.00.

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Discover more about Western Museum of Mining & Industry

The Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI), located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich mining history of Colorado and the American West. Founded in 1970, the museum showcases more than 4,000 artifacts across its 27-acre indoor and outdoor exhibit site. Inside the museum, visitors can explore antique mining equipment, including steam engines and pneumatic machines that are sometimes operated for demonstrations. Exhibits recreate an old assay office and feature scale models of mines and mills. Outdoor exhibits include a steam shovel and a fully operational stamp mill used for crushing gold ore, which is fired up during special events. You can also see live burros on the property. WMMI offers daily guided tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. that are included with the price of admission. Knowledgeable docents bring history to life with stories and demonstrations, and they operate much of the equipment on display. Visitors can also try their hand at gold panning and take home whatever they find. The Rock N' Gift Shop features rocks, minerals, gifts, and jewelry from local vendors. The museum's mission is to educate the public about the history and continuing contributions of mining in the American West. WMMI also hosts lectures, rotating exhibits, and a twice-weekly farmers' market.

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